I really doubt that. They will update to 2.2 but either 1 disable it, or b start charging the 10 dollar fee to every phone that will use it.

It is really pointless either way. People are starting to expect it. And they are going to be forced to give it.

If they do not support it, then they will have to stop selling android phones.

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You're probably right, they will have to eventually support it or give completely up on Android phones. Before they make that call, they'll be depending on Android customers though. The other carriers did free tether with their Pre's so Sprint probably wouldn't last long holding out on this issue.

Think of it this way, the Overdrive is $100 after MIR and other rebates and requires a $50 plan but can only tether 5 devices. Evo can tether 8 for $199 and requires at $30 tether charge. Evo's the better deal. Now if Froyo includes free tether, Evo's still the better deal because Froyo won't be on the Overdrive. Sprint won't lose though because I would have no problem with them simply dropping the MIR or charging more for the Evo upfront going forward.

That's probably not a popular perspective, but at some point there will be compromises to make the Google/Android-carrier relationship work. And certainly Froyo 2.2 won't be getting to other carriers without addressing that issue too.